AHL changes all-star format to add some international flavor

The American Hockey League's All-Star Classic in St. John's, Newfoundland, this season will truly be an international event.

The league announced Tuesday that instead of two teams of AHL players squaring off, the competition will instead have one AHL team meet Färjestad BK, a top professional team from the Swedish Hockey League. The event will include a Skills Competition on Feb. 11 and the All-Star Game on Feb. 12.

The Classic will mark the first time that a Swedish Hockey League team has competed in North America. Founded in 1932 and based in the city of Karlstad, Sweden, Färjestad BK - led by team CEO Håkan Loob - is one of the most successful franchises in all of European hockey, playing in 19 league finals and winning nine Swedish league championships, including four since 2002.

Details on the composition of the single AHL all-star team - perhaps including an expanded roster? - will be announced later.